Melissa Sue Anderson, best known for her role as Mary Ingalls in the beloved TV series “Little House on the Prairie,” had big dreams of having a large family and finding a kind and loving husband. While she didn’t have as many children as she had hoped, she made sure to give her full attention to the ones she did have. Let’s take a closer look at Melissa’s husband and children, and how she prioritized her family above all else.
Finding Love with Michael Sloan
Before meeting her current husband, Michael Sloan, Melissa had a brief relationship with Frank Sinatra Jr. when she was just 17 years old. However, it was not the wild romance that one might expect. Melissa described herself as someone who wanted a more grounded and stable relationship. It was during her time on the TV show “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” in 1987 that she crossed paths with Michael Sloan, the show’s executive producer. They eventually tied the knot three years later on March 17, 1990.
Building a Family
Melissa and Michael’s love story continued to flourish as they welcomed their two children into the world. Their eldest daughter, Piper, was born in February 1991, followed by their son, Griffin, in June 1996. Melissa made the decision to step away from her acting career at the age of 35, as she wanted her children to have a normal upbringing away from the spotlight. She didn’t want them to feel overshadowed by their famous parent.
Embracing Family Life
Melissa’s decision to retire from showbiz allowed her to experience the joys of being a regular person and focus on her role as a mother. She wanted her children to be the stars of their own lives, without constantly being in the public eye. Now that her children are adults and leading independent lives, Melissa has returned to acting. She cherishes the time she spent raising her children and is proud of the individuals they have become.
Piper’s Success
Piper, Melissa’s oldest child, has followed her own path, pursuing a successful career in the field of hematology. She is currently a Training and Evaluation Programs Specialist at the American Society of Hematology, utilizing her linguistic skills in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Piper holds a Master of Arts in International Communication from American University and previously worked as a Senior Manager at the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Griffin’s Achievements
Melissa’s son, Griffin, has also found success in his chosen career. He is currently a Law Clerk at Haworth Barber & Gerstman, LLC, with previous experience as a Legal Intern at various firms. Griffin holds a Doctor of Law degree from the Cardozo School of Law, along with other degrees in Economics and Sociology. Like his sister, he is fluent in English, French, and Italian. Griffin’s accomplishments include winning the August 2018 David Berg Public Interest Fellow award and being the Runner-Up for Best Oralist in the Monrad G. Paulson Moot Court Competition.
Balancing Acting and Family
Melissa’s children played an instrumental role in encouraging her to return to acting after a twelve-year hiatus. They recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue her passion once again. Melissa’s dedication to her family meant that she could balance her career and be a loving mother. Her return to acting allowed her to take on memorable roles in productions such as “10.5: Apocalypse,” where she played the President’s wife, and “Marker 18,” “The Con is On,” and “Veronica Mars.”
A Proud Mother
Melissa Sue Anderson’s journey has been filled with love, commitment, and the desire to prioritize family above all else. Her husband, Michael Sloan, and their children, Piper and Griffin, have been her biggest supporters throughout her career. Melissa’s decision to create a stable and nurturing environment for her children allowed them to thrive and become successful individuals in their own right. Melissa Sue Anderson’s legacy extends beyond the screen as she embraces the joys of motherhood and the accomplishments of her children.
